Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has been honoured as an Outstanding Crisis Communicator for his effective role in crisis communication, information management and the dissemination of government policies and programmes to the people of Kano State.
Waiya received the recognition at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Chairman of Image Merchants Promotions Limited (IMPR) and an organising partner of the event, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, said Waiya was rigorously selected for his efforts in providing timely, accurate and responsible communication, particularly in addressing issues affecting the people of Kano State during periods of crisis, uncertainty and public concern.
According to him, the recognition underscores the critical role of effective crisis communication in promoting public understanding, strengthening government-citizen relations, and building confidence and trust in government policies and programmes.
Receiving the award, Commissioner Waiya expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising his contributions to crisis communication and public information dissemination.
He dedicated the award to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the staff of the Ministry and the media community in Kano State for their collective support and commitment to effective public communication.
Waiya reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening communication between the government and citizens, stressing that the timely dissemination of accurate and credible information remains essential to good governance, particularly during periods of crisis and public concern.
He said the recognition would further motivate him and the Ministry to intensify efforts to ensure that the people of Kano State receive accurate, credible and timely information on government policies, programmes and activities.
The Commissioner emphasised that effective crisis communication requires professionalism, transparency, accuracy and a strong understanding of the concerns of the people. He assured that the Ministry would continue to play its role in bridging the communication gap between the government and citizens.
Among the Kano State delegation at the event were the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Sa’ad Aminu Ungogo, and Hon. Salisu Riruwai, a member of the Committee on Information of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Others included management and staff of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, heads of its agencies, and representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.
Also in attendance were members of the League of Veteran Journalists led by Alhaji Mohammed Danyaro, heads of media forums, members of the Online Media Chapel, representatives of the academia, members of the Forum of Directors of Public Enlightenment, Public Relations Officers, Local Government Information Officers, AKYPPA, as well as family members, friends and well-wis